Verizon's V CAST Music app updated, adds ringtones and ringback tones

Verizon has released a new update to its V CAST Music app that finally brings MP3s, ringtones, and ringback tones under the same roof. Notably the MP3s will come without DRM and in high-quality. Other new features added include a wish list for storing songs for later purchase and the ability to send a song recommendation to friends, which will open the song's purchase page in the app. Verizon notes that some of their Android offerings come with the app pre-installed while others can simply go to the Verizon section of the Android Market and find the app there.

While the MP3s are competitively priced at either $.99 or $1.29, ringback tones will set you back $1.99, and ringtones are an astounding $2.99. So, while you could pay about $4 for a single MP3 and its ringtone, you could decide to save a little money and make a ringtone or notification sound yourself from any MP3 right on your phone. We will leave the choice up to you. Full press release after the break.

02/21/2011

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless said today the company has updated its V CAST Music app, enabling Android™ smartphone customers to get and enjoy the music they want easily and at lower prices. For the first time, V CAST Music brings full-track songs, ringtones and ringback tones together in one easy-to-use application.

The new version of V CAST Music, available on Android smartphones running Android 2.1 or higher, lets customers purchase full-track songs in high-quality MP3 format without DRM. V CAST Music will now also offer full-track songs for 69 cents, 99 cents or $1.29 per song, which can be downloaded over the air to a smartphone, and then easily moved to a computer or other MP3-compatible device using V CAST Media Manager.

“Verizon Wireless is taking a leap forward with V CAST Music. We’re bringing the different kinds of music people love to have on their phones together in one, easy-to-use application, making it easy for customers to get what they want at lower prices,” said Greg Haller, vice president, Consumer Solutions for Verizon Wireless. “We’ve added features to V CAST Music that make it simple and more fun to enjoy your favorite music on your phone and with your friends and family.”

Using the new V CAST Music, customers will be able to purchase multiple formats of the same song – full track, ringtone and ringback tone – at a discounted price in select bundles. Customers can easily purchase and manage Jukeboxes of ringback tones that will rotate messages so callers hear different tones each time they call. V CAST Music now features a wish list, so customers can indicate what music they would like to purchase in the future, a “recommendations” button so they can send music suggestions to friends and family for them to preview or purchase using the app.

V CAST Music comes preloaded on select Android smartphones, and existing customers will be prompted to upgrade the next time they launch the app. Customers that have phones without V CAST Music on the app screen, can download the new version from the Verizon Channel in the Android Martket™. The app is free to download, but customers must have a data package on their account. Data and usage charges may apply when browsing, previewing and downloading music.

For more information on V CAST Music, visit www.verizonwireless.com/music. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

I think I will pass. Verizon gets the monthly check for my service and not a dime more. I would rather get music from Amazon than give it to Verizon. I don't want to encourage them into forays besides being a phone company. That's how you end up with BS like Bing, preloaded and uninstallable bloatware and a Verizon only App store.